Title
Chief Administrative Office, Parks Division, recommending the Board:
1) Approve and Authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 146-2021 accepting grant funds in the amount of $573,456 for the Rubicon Trail projects from the State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation, Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Funds, for the Fiscal Year 2021-22 (G21) grant cycle; and
2) Approve and authorize the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer to sign the following agreements:
a) G21-03-06-G01 for Grounds Operations-Annual Operations and Maintenance in the amount of $499,603 plus County match requirement of $176,243 ($16,500 will be volunteer/in-kind) for a total of $675,846, for a one year period;
b) G21-03-06-S01 for Education and Safety in the amount of $73,853 plus County match requirement of $26,493 ($2,500 will be volunteer) for a total of $100,346, for a one year period;
3) Authorize the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer to approve and execute any amendments that do not change the dollar amount of said Agreements, contingent on approval from County Counsel.
FUNDING: State Parks and Recreation, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Division Grant Funding, Sacramento Municipal Utility District Funds, Off Highway Vehicle Fees, In-Kind Materials and Staff/Volunteer Time.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program of the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division provides financial assistance to public entities and other qualified entities to help with the management of off-highway recreation. The Program supports planning, acquisition, development, maintenance, administration, operation, enforcement, restoration, and conservation of trails, trail heads, and other facilities associated with the use of off-highway motor vehicles.
With this funding the County can meet the obligation of the easement and the Saturated Soils Water Quality Protection Plan approved by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board.
These grants will provide the following:
Annual Operation & Maintenance (O&M):
This grant will provide funding for maintenance requirements such as, but not limited to, Rubicon trail maintenance such as tread repair, drainage maintenance, erosion control, installation of gabions, helicopter services, continuation of routine facility operation and maintenance, toilet pumping and trail condition monitoring. Funding will also be utilized to purchase all project related material, supplies and equipment as well.
Safety and Education:
This grant will provide funding for related education and safety activities to promote the El Dorado County's "4S - Sanitation, Spills, Sedimentation, and Safety” educational program on the Rubicon Trail. Project activities include, but are not limited to producing a bandanna and providing outreach and education at county fairs and other events.
Matching Funds
Matching funds required to obtain grant funding come from a variety of sources.
Sacramento Municipal Utility District Cooperation Agreement Funds (SMUD funds), which are available to fund projects or services related to the Upper American River Project, including in the Rubicon River Basin, account for $159,743 in matching funds from SMUD, $2,500 from volunteer labor, and $14,000 from in-kind materials, for the Annual Operation & Maintenance grant. Note that this is a one year grant.
State Off-Highway Vehicle License Fees, which are collected by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, are allocated to cities and counties to provide and operate trails and other facilities for the use of off-highway motor vehicles. $23,993 will come from the Off-Highway fees and $2,500 from volunteer labor for the Education Grant. Note that this is a one year grant.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose to decline the grant funding; however, the Rubicon program relies heavily on this funding for maintenance and the promotion of safety and proper use of the trail. The County is under the conditions of the easement and the Saturated Soils Water Quality Protection Plan approved by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Department of Transportation, Environmental Management. The Sheriff's Office has an active role on the Rubicon Trail and receives separate funding.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Funding for Rubicon Trail Operations and Maintenance Grant in the amount of $499,603 from the California Department of Parks and Recreation, with matching funds in the amount of $159,743 from El Dorado-Sacramento Municipal Utility District Cooperation Agreement Fund (SMUD funds), $2,500 from volunteer labor, and $14,000 from in-kind materials for a project total of $675,846.
Funding for Rubicon Trail Education and Safety Grant in the amount of $73,853 from the California Department of Parks and Recreation, with matching funds in the amount of $23,993 from State Off-Highway Vehicle License Fees with $2,500 from volunteer labor for a project total of $100,346.
Projects are included in the FY 2021-22 Budget.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Infrastructure
CONTACT
Vickie Sanders, Parks Manager